ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Power
BEE announces 31st National Energy Conservation Awards and 1st National Energy Efficiency Innovations Awards
As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, awards to be presented on National Energy Conservation Day
Dynamic endeavors and researchers contributing to the nation’s low carbon footprint strategy to be felicitated
Garners wide participation across sectors with more than 400 applicants
Bureau of Energy Efficiency, under the guidance of Ministry of Power, recognizes and encourages endeavors of industrial units, institutions and establishments in reducing energy consumption by felicitating them with National Energy Conservation Awards  on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day, celebrated on 14th December every year. This year, a new award - National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards  is also institutionalized.
This year, the NECA and NEEIA awards are being organized as part of the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”. The awardees of the National Energy Conservation Awards and National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards would be felicitated on 14th December 2021, on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day, by high-level dignitaries.
The National Energy Conservation Awards are given to the energy-intensive units of various sectors of the Indian economy for their exceptional achievements in reducing the specific energy consumption. For NECA , online applications were called from Industry, Transport, Building, Institution and Appliance category, which were further divided in 30 Sectors. A total of 408 applicants participated for NECA 2021 till closing date. The award committee chaired by Secretary, Power has finalized the awardees who would be felicitated with National Energy Conservation Awards on 14th December 2021.
This year, apart from National Energy Conservation Award , Ministry of Power has also initiated National Energy Efficiency Innovation Award . It is to recognize “Innovative Energy Efficiency Technologies” and instill a sense of competition to motivate industries & sectors to develop innovative energy efficiency efforts in their units. The online applications were invited from Category A  & Category B . A total of 149 applicants participated for NEEIA 2021 by the due date. The Energy Efficiency Innovation Award is the need of the hour to promote newer technologies, ideas, and pave way for the adoption of these innovations by larger groups. The award shall encourage to apply new methods to achieve energy efficiency and to lay greater emphasis on research & development. Innovation has the potential to bring about substantial changes in a smaller span of time and to create a way for new employment opportunities.
As promotion of energy efficiency and Renewable energy are major pillars for low carbon energy transition, recognition of such efforts undertaken by various participants stimulate further action in accelerating the transition. Outcomes of which eventually contribute towards meeting India’s Nationally Determined Contributions  and broader climate goals.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment visits the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Dr. Virendra Kumar asks officers to ensure effective implementation department's Schemes and Programmes
The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar today paid a visit to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities located at Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Antyodaya Bhawan in New Delhi.
During his visit in the afternoon, The Minister interacted with employees of the Department and had a detailed discussion with the senior officers available at the department.
Dr. Kumar also advised the officers to work like a family to ensure effective implementation department's Schemes and Programmes for the welfare of the Divyangjan  across the country. This was his first visit after taking charge as Union Minister.
Ministry of Communications
PM-WANI scheme has immense potential for proliferation of affordable broadband access to realize the vision of Digital India
Webinar on the potential of PM-WANI scheme organized by DoT in Maharashtra
Mumbai, June 30, 2023
Department of Telecommunications, Mumbai LSA organized a webinar on Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access network Interface  on 30th June 2023. The PM-WANI scheme, launched by the Department of Telecommunications, aims to setup Public Wi-Fi Networks by Public Data Office Aggregators  to provide public Wi-Fi services through Public Data Offices  spread across length and breadth of the country to accelerate proliferation of Broadband Internet services. The webinar was attended by representatives of Internet Service Providers and prospective PDOs .
The webinar was inaugurated by Shri Ajay Kamal, DDG , DOT Mumbai LSA. In his inaugural address, he impressed upon that the PM-WANI scheme has immense potential for proliferation of affordable broadband access to realize the vision of Digital India. By virtue of light-touch regulation of PM-WANI framework, it will encourage entrepreneurs to set up public Wi-Fi hotspots and generate additional revenue for themselves.
Shri Kamal Kumar Jangid, ADG , DOT Mumbai LSA explained the various elements of PM-WANI framework i.e. Central Registry, PDO, PDOA and App Providers. Issues faced by ISPs with respect to Trusted Telecom Portal  and SaralSanchar Portal were also discussed. All the queries raised by the prospective PDOs regarding the PM-WANI framework & TTP were clarified by the DoT, Mumbai LSA team.
About PM WANI
The PM-WANI scheme, launched by the Department of Telecommunications, aims to setup Public Wi-Fi Networks by Public Data Office Aggregators  to provide public Wi-Fi services through Public Data Offices  spread across length and breadth of the country to accelerate proliferation of Broadband Internet services through Public Wi-Fi networks in the country. There shall be no license required from DoT for providing Broadband Internet through these public Wi-Fi networks.
The proliferation of public Wi-Fi networks in the country through PM-WANI will accelerate the proliferation of public broadband services through Wi-Fi networks and it will enable local entrepreneurs such as Tea Hawkers , Kirana stores and eateries to earn additional revenue.
DOT will assist all the stake holders in implementation and proliferation of PM-WANI.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Shri Amit Shah assumes charge as Union Home Minister
Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Shri Nityanand Rai also took charge as MoS 
Shri Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs, assumed charge of his office here today. He was greeted by Union Home Secretary Shri Rajiv Gauba and Director, Intelligence Bureau Shri Rajiv Jain upon arrival at the North Block.
Shri Amit Shah was also felicitated by new Ministers of State , Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Shri Nityanand Rai who also took charge of office today.
Shri Amit Shah was recently elected to the 17th Lok Sabha from Gandhinagar constituency. He has been a Rajya Sabha member, Minister in Gujarat Government and MLA in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly. Professionally he pursued Agriculture and has been a Political and Social Worker.
Born to Smt. Kusumben and Shri Anilchandra Shah, an affluent Gujarati family, in the year 1964 in Mumbai, Shri Amit Shah lived and studied in his paternal village Maansa, Gujarat until the age of 16, when upon completion of his school education, his family shifted to Ahmedabad. He acquired his B.Sc.  degree from Gujarat University, Ahmedabad.
Shri Amit Shah has been a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly from 1997 to 2017 and he served as a Minister in the Government of Gujarat from 2002 to 2010, and held key portfolios including Home, Transport, Prohibition, Parliamentary Affairs, Law, and Excise. In August, 2017 he was elected to the Rajya Sabha, and ceased to be a Member w.e.f. May 23, 2019 following his election to the 17th Lok Sabha.
He has been Chairman of the Gujarat State Financial Corporation, turning around the company and even got it listed on the Stock Exchange. He also served as Presidents of the Gujarat Chess Association in 2006, Central Board of Cricket Association in 2009 and Gujarat State Cricket Association in 2014. He is also a Trustee of the Shree Somnath Temple Trust since 2016.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Relationship between obesity and colon cancer explored at the molecular level
Obesity per se does not cause cancer. But, the behaviour and prognosis of cancer can vary depending on whether or not the cancer patient is co-morbidly obese. Many different factors can cause obesity. One of the major reasons is genetic in nature. A mutations or small changes in the DNA can make one obese by making an important signalling pathway called the leptin signalling pathway non-functional. Leptin signalling pathway is involved in regulating food intake, energy consumption and body fat content, by mediating communication of the gut and fat cells with the brain.
To determine whether obesity resulting from leptin deficiency could have any influence on cancer, Dr. Manoj Kumar Bhat and his research team at the National Centre for Cell Science  in Pune studied the differences in the incidence and progression of colon cancer when it occurs in association with genetically-linked obesity, vis-a-vis when it occurs in association with diet-induced obesity.
Their studies in laboratory-bred mice revealed significant differences between these two groups. Further, these differences were found to be strongly correlated with the balance between two important molecules, leptin and TNF alpha, which influence the growth of cancer cells. These studies were carried out with approval from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee, following humane and ethical procedures as per the applicable rules. They have provided valuable insights into the molecular connections underlying the relationship of diet-induced and genetics-associated obesity with colon cancer. These findings warrant further exploration through more in-depth clinical studies, to determine if they have any implications in and relevance to the management of cancers.
Ministry of Communications
National Level Dhai Akhar Letter Writing Campaign on the theme “Digital India for New India”
Department of Post is organizing the Dhai Akhar Letter Writing Campaign at National Level on the theme “Digital India for New India” for the year 2023-24.
The last date of Dhai Akhar Letter Writing Campaign will be 31.10.2023. The Letters posted after 31.10.2023 will not be accepted. The letters can be written in English/Hindi/Gujarati may be addressed to The Chief Postmaster General, Gujarat Circle, Khanpur, Ahmedabad-380001. Only handwritten letters will be accepted and the word limit for plain A4 size paper is not more than 1000 words or Inland Letter Card  is not more than 500 words. The permitted stationery will be embossed envelope/envelope with stamp affixed for plain A-4 size paper letter and Inland Letter Card .
The categories for National Level Dhai Akhar Letter writing campaign are as follows:
 Up to 18 years:
• Inland Letter Category
• Envelope  Category
 Above 18 years:
• Inland Letter Category
• Envelope  Category
The proposed prize money to be given to the winners of Circle Level and National Level Letters in each category are as follows:
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Prize Category
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Prize Amount at Circle Level
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Prize Amount at National Level
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First Prize in each category
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Rs.25,000/- 
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Rs.50,000/- 
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Second Prize in each category
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Rs.10,000/- 
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Rs.25,000/- 
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Third Prize in each category
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Rs.5,000/- 
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Rs.10,000/- 
The Participants have to give a certificate of their age on letter such as “I certify that I am below/above the age of 18 as on 01.01.2023”.
For this campaign please contact nearest post offices, Divisional Postal Office, Regional Offices or Circle Office.
CB/GP/JD
(Visitor Counter : 533
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Union Health Ministry organizes an interactive workshop with Radio Stations from across India on the need to amplify messages around the importance of Covid-Appropriate Behaviour during festivities
Massive vaccination needs to be complimented with Covid-Appropriate Protocols during festive season: Sri Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, MoHFW
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in partnership with UNICEF hosted an interactive session for representatives of All India Radio, Private FMs and community radio stations on the need to create awareness about the importance of following COVID Appropriate Behaviour  during the upcoming festival season. The session was attended by around 150 radio representatives involved in programming and presentation of radio programs from across India. These radio stations have a massive reach and wide spectrum of audience—from those residing in urban areas to those in rural or remote regions of the country.
The session was addressed by Shri Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, MoHFW. In his keynote address, Shri Agarwal spoke about the importance of the medium in delivering public interest messages. He said that India has successfully controlled COVID-19 cases in record time by ramping up its test-track-treat and vaccination strategy. He also appreciated peoples’ participation in the world’s largest vaccination program.
However, he cautioned that though COVID-19 cases are reducing across India, the virus is still around and any complacency at this stage can lead to yet another surge. “The country will soon be reaching a historic landmark of 100 crore vaccination. While victory over virus is in sight, we cannot let this hard- earned victory slip from our hands due to COVID-fatigue. So, I urge people not to let their guard down during the upcoming festive season”, said Shri Agarwal. He added that festivals are about the victory of good over evil. We also need to fight the evil of COVID pandemic by maintaining COVID Appropriate Behavior.
He asked all the participants to amplify public interest messages such as importance of both the doses of vaccines, and the need to follow Covid Protocols during festivals in country’s collective fight against virus. In his address he encouraged participants to produce innovative programs by engaging experts as well as community.
Senior officials of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of I&B, and UNICEF also attended the session.
Ministry of Communications
AZADI KA AMRIT MAHOTSAV
Special covers released on 6 unsung heroes of Odisha by Union Ministers Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
As part of the Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav and Philately day celebrations, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Communications, Railways and IT, released Special Covers on six unsung heroes of Odisha, who made great contributions in the country’s freedom struggle. These unsung heroes are Buxi Jagabandhu, Sahid Baji Rout, Sahid Jai Rajguru, Sahid Chakhi Khuntia, Sahid Chakra Bisoi and Parbati Giri. Shri Vineet Pandey, Secretary, Department of Posts, Shri Alok Sharma, Director General  and other senior officers of Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications attended the event. Shri Suvendu Swain, Chief Postmaster General of Odisha along with several other dignitaries joined the event virtually from Odisha.
Department of Posts is celebrating the National Postal Week from 11.10.2021 to 17.10.2021. Each day is being celebrated through specific themes viz financial inclusion, philately, mails & parcels etc, through mass campaigns involving citizens across the length and breadth of the country, and sharing the spirit of India@75.
While welcoming the Ministers and guests, Shri Vineet Pandey, Secretary Posts highlighted the endeavour of Department of Posts to bring before the world the inspiring stories of unsung heroes of our freedom struggle, through stamps and special covers. The Department released 103 special covers on Unsung heroes of our freedom movement on 13th Oct 2021 .
The Special Covers were released by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, and Sh Ashwini Vaishnaw at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi. The two Ministers also interacted with the family members of the 6 Un-sung heroes, via Video link from Odisha. In his speech, Union Minister of Education Shri Pradhan recollected the struggle of these great men and women and reminded the present generation of their duties to up keep the values and path shown by these eminent personalities.
Minister of Communication Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw recollected that the great contributions made by the 6 heroes are etched in the minds of the Odia people and how they were a part of the local folk-lore. The hon’ble Minister congratulated the Department of Posts for bringing out Special covers of these unsung heroes of Odisha.
The family members of the 6 freedom fighters also attended the program virtually and were presented albums of the Special covers by the Department of Posts officials at local Post offices in their respective home towns in Odisha. Both the Ministers also interacted with the family members. The function was also attended from Bhubaneshwar by Shri Suresh Chanadra Dalai, Commissioner Cum Secretary, Odia Language, literature & Culture, Govt. of Odisha, Shri Suvendu Swain, Chief Postmaster General, Odisha Circle, Bhubaneswar, and other officers of the Department of Posts.
Ministry of Defence
MoD signs contract with BDL to supply 4,960 Anti-Tank Guided Missiles to Indian Army
Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence  signed a contract with Defence Public Sector Undertaking  Bharat Dynamics Limited  for supply of 4,960 MILAN-2T Anti-Tank Guided Missiles  to Indian Army at a cost of Rs 1,188 crore, in New Delhi on March 19, 2021. This will further boost the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government. It is a ‘Repeat Order’ of contract, which was signed with BDL on March 08, 2016.
The Milan-2T is a Tandem Warhead ATGM with the range of 1,850 metres, produced by BDL under license from MBDA Missile Systems, France. These missiles can be fired from ground as well as vehicle-based launchers and can be deployed in Anti-Tank Role for both offensive & defensive tasks. Induction of these missiles will further enhance the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces. Induction is planned to be completed in three years.
This project is a big opportunity for the defence industry to showcase its capability and will be a step in the direction of achieving the goal of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the defence sector.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Webinar on National Education Policy 2020
Early education in mother tongue leads to a stronger foundation- Prof. Y.L Sreenivas
NEP to make India a ‘global knowledge superpower’- Prof V. Venkata Ramana
The National Education Policy- 2020 marks the beginning of a new era, said Prof Y.L.Sreenivas, Executive Council Member, NAAC & Professor, Department of English, Osmania University. While delivering his key note address in a Webinar organised by Press Information Bureau, Hyderabad on "NEP-2020-Importance of Mother Tongue", he said the new education policy has been unveiled to realize Atma Nirbhar Bharat as desired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
NEP-2020 has made the provision for offering early education with respect to mother tongue or local language". Imparting education in mother tongue has several positive aspects on the development of a child. It will lead to a strong conceptual understanding and foundation on which children will grow,” said prof.Y.L Sreenivas.
The National Education Policy 2020 envisions a contemporary education system that foresees to contribute directly to transform our nation sustainably into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society, by providing high quality education to all. This Policy envisages creation, transmission, use and dissemination of knowledge as a part of the continuum.
Shri Sreenivias added that we tend to think, understand and perceive in our mother tongue better as compared to any other language. Communication in the mother tongue, flourishes the inquisitive nature of a child and leads to the development of a better thinker and creative individual.
Prof. V.Venkata Ramana, former Dean, University of Hyderabad & Vice-Chairman, Telangana State Council for Higher Education said the NEP-2020 is a "game changer". He described the features of Higher Education in NEP 2020. He said One of the stated aims of the policy is to instill a “deep-rooted pride” in being Indian, not only in thought, but also in spirit, intellect, and deeds, as well as to develop knowledge, skills, values, and dispositions that support responsible commitment to human rights, sustainable development and living, and global well-being.
Schools will be pushed to focus more on helping students develop basic skills and competencies, and all higher educational institutions will “aim to become autonomous by 2035". NEP 2020 has the capacity to make India a global knowledge super power, this policy respects ignited minds of today's India, he added.
By 2025, at least 50% of learners through the school and higher education system shall have exposure to vocational education.NEP Offers More Avenue For Startups and More. The new education policy, National Education Policy 2020, focuses on interdisciplinary study and will ensure focus is on what students want to learn. he said.
Delivering inaugural address Shri S. Venkateswar, Director General, PIB-South said NEP 2020 is a big step by Goverment of India as it emphasizes on the criticality of the early years to ensure quality early childhood care and education  for all children between three and six years by 2025.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 172.04 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 11.17 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccinemanufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,72,04,92,970
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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11,17,10,731
More than 172.04crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 11.17Cr balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.